Vinnies challenges PM's views on Income Inequality

In 2005, we in Australia have a clear choice.

We can choose the current headlong dash into the chasm of inequality, the gap that lies between the rich and poor, our own "two Australias". If governments deny that we even have a problem or that we can work towards a solution, then growing numbers of our people will be consigned to the "other Australia". They will be abandoned to market forces that, left unchecked, can only further entrench the ourcomes of inequality and unfairness. If governments refuse to do what the market cannot, this course is guaranteed.

On the other hand, we can choose to face the problem. We can choose to mobilise all levels of government towards producing a solution. International evidence is unambiguous in demonstrating that domestic policy settings are able to achieve this.

We can pay to remove all Australians from poverty if we want to: the fact that we don't do so is a matter of choice, not affordability.

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